The government has approved plans to construct two military airfields in Lakshadweep islands, in a move that will expand the reach of the armed forces in the region.
Govt Clears Plan For Two Military Airfields In Lakshadweep
The government has approved plans to construct two military airfields in Lakshadweep islands, in a move that will expand the reach of the armed forces in the region.
The tri-services proposal, that got clearance, is to build an airbase in Minicoy and extend the existing facility on the Agatti island. These airfields can be used both by the military and civil airliners to boost tourism in the island chain. The Minicoy airfield will come up at naval base ‘INS Jatayu‘ in the Lakshadweep islands that was commissioned in March. It is the nearest major military installation to the Maldives.
The closest land to Minicoy is Thuraakunu Island in Maldives, which is located at a distance of about 100 km to the south, across the Vangaaru Channel. The move has come at a time when the Chinese Navy has been expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean Region and collaborating closely with the Pakistan Navy in the region.
The IAF would be the lead in the project that would see a military conclave coming up there, which would be used by all three defence forces and the Indian Coast Guard. The ICG was the first force under the Defence Ministry to suggest the development of an airstrip in the Minicoy Islands. As per the present proposal, the Indian Air Force would be in the lead to run the operations from Minicoy.
The airport at Minicoy would also give the defence forces the capability to extend their area of surveillance in the Arabian Sea. The airport at Minicoy would also provide a boost to tourism in the region, as has been planned by the government. The Minicoy islands are just around 50 miles from the Maldives.
